What are the responsibilities and job description for the STRATEGIC BUYER position at Kalamazoo Fabricating?
Location:
Kalamazoo, MI
Job Id: 382
The Strategic Buyer position is responsible for developing and executing long-term sourcing strategies to ensure cost optimization, supply continuity, and alignment with overall business objectives. This role focuses on strategic supplier management, total cost optimization, contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to develop and strengthen the supply base. This role reports to the Materials and Logistics Manager.
Qualifications
- Dedication to excellence and continuous improvement
- Bachelor’s degree with three to seven years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within a manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of ERP systems (such as Visual or similar platforms)
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, interpreting drawings, and supply chain risk management. Sheet metal fabrication and processing equipment experience desired
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to collaborate across teams including Engineering, Finance, and Operations
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement long-term commodity and sourcing strategies aligned with business goals
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and performance evaluation
- Manage supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, and commercial terms
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including single-source exposure and market volatility
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations and Inventory Analysis to support new product introductions and production requirements
- Drive cost reduction initiatives and value engineering initiatives
- Develop contingency plans and dual-sourcing strategies to ensure supply continuity
- Maintain accurate sourcing documentation, contracts, and supplier agreements
- Coordinate with vendors and generate purchase orders for job specific requirements